What is the main focus of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)?

The primary focus of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce controlled substance laws and regulations. This involves regulating the manufacture, distribution, and prescription of substances that have potential for abuse or addiction, which includes a wide array of drugs categorized as controlled substances. The DEA's mission is to ensure that these substances are handled in a manner that prevents abuse, diversion, and illegal trafficking while also supporting legitimate medical and scientific uses. By controlling access to potentially dangerous drugs, the DEA plays a critical role in public health and safety, ensuring that medications are used appropriately and that the integrity of the healthcare system is maintained.

This purpose distinctly sets the DEA apart from other options presented. The promotion of drug sales would conflict with the agency's regulatory role, while providing healthcare or conducting drug rehabilitation falls outside the agency's mission, as these are typically handled by health care providers and treatment facilities rather than a law enforcement agency.